Inspiration & Advice
Spring garden preparation made simple with Jack
The best gardens begin in spring.
Thanks to longer and sunnier days, it’s the season when seeds take root, plants take off and your sluggish winter garden swings back to life.
If you’ve been thinking about getting outdoors, this is the time of year when a little green-thumbed effort can reap big garden rewards!
But before you dig in, Jack’s here to get you going (and growing!) with some simple spring garden preparation — including how to protect delicate young seedlings.
Don't skip spring garden prep
Yes, we know planting is the fun bit. But taking time to prep your outdoor spaces first will give anything you sow or want to grow the best chance of surviving and thriving.
From removing weeds to refreshing soil and adding protection to stop birds and bugs from taking bites, these important tasks help plant roots establish, flowers bloom, and pests buzz off!
To make your spring garden prep easy, we’ve broken it down into six clear steps. Just follow along with Jack, and you’ll have a garden ready for growing in no time.
Step 1: Remove winter's debris
Has winter left your garden looking sad and unruly?
Dead plants? Broken branches? Beds of weeds and fallen leaves?
It’s time to get those garden gloves on and get busy!
Disposing of the cold season’s debris not only makes your outdoor spaces look fresh and tidy but also gives your soil more room to breathe and your plantlings more space to grow. Snipping back also stimulates healthy new shoots.
Don’t be surprised if you find slugs, snails, beetles, ants, spiders, aphids — or even fungal diseases — hiding underneath that winter leaf cover when you turn it over with your garden fork. Pick off or treat anything pesky, but not every bug is an enemy. Some give your garden a helping hand.
Step 2: Refresh raised beds and planters
After a season of changeable weather, raised garden beds and planters really love a spring refresh.
Top up with quality soil mix, add compost and check drainage to replenish nutrients, improve soil health and structure, and create the perfect conditions for young plants.
No Raised Garden Beds? Spring is a sweet time to add some! The good thing about these contained gardens is that they give you more control over the soil, warm up faster and deter pests — to a point.
The same goes for Pots & Planters, which also give you more options to grow in smaller or tricky spaces.
Handy Jack tip!
Your garden scraps aren’t rubbish; they’re tomorrow’s compost! Start a compost pile with leaves, prunings and kitchen scraps, and you’ll create a free, nutrient-packed soil booster while doing your bit for the planet.
Step 3: Sharpen up edges, paths and access
When spring has sprung, growth can get ahead of you.
Keeping edges, paths and well-trodden areas tidy makes your outdoor areas easier to care for. It also helps prevent problems and creates a more functional garden as plants start sending out fresh shoots.
We’ve got the products to make this easy:
- Garden Edging — Create clean borders around beds with your choice of Garden Edging. We have heaps of different styles. Edging keeps soil from spilling and stops grass and weeds creeping into your planting areas.
- Ground Panels — Install stable flooring on paths and well-used areas to help prevent weeds and reduce muddy, worn patches in your garden. Check out our budget-friendly, snap-together Matrix Ground Panels.
Handy Jack tip!
Don’t just push your edging straight into the dirt. Dig a shallow trench first to help keep it secure, straight and looking good for longer.
Be inspired: Garden edging ideas to elevate your yard
Step 4: Plan what you want to plant
Don’t just go to the garden centre and grab the first plants that catch your eye. Spend a bit of time selecting the right varieties for the season, your local climate and your outdoor space.
Also, think about what type of garden you want to create:
- Vegie patch — Plan crops around the space you have, how much sun your garden gets and what you’ll actually eat. Companion planting is great for keeping plants happy — for example, pairing herbs and flowers with certain vegetables to attract beneficial insects and deter some pesky pests.
- Flower garden — Choose a mix of colours, heights and flowering times to keep your garden looking good across the season. Check whether plants prefer full sun, part shade or shade before planting.
- Green oasis — If you’re creating a leafy retreat, combine different textures and heights with plants suited to your climate and available light.
- Pots and planters — Pick plants that suit the size of your containers. Pots can dry out faster than garden beds, so think about watering needs and plant size as they mature.
Need a helping hand? Hello spring! What to plant in September in Australia
Step 5: Set up some spring plant supports
Some plants and vegies are natural climbers, but even the strongest growers need a helping hand. Garden supports help stop stems snapping, keep growth neat and prevent heavy crops from flopping onto the ground.
Adding Garden Stakes, Trellis, Plant Trainers or Vegie Trainers early in the season gives your plants the support they need before they start taking off.
Common spring favourites that like something to lean on include tomatoes, cucumbers, climbing beans and peas. Tall flowering plants such as sunflowers, dahlias, sweet peas and delphiniums may also need a helping hand to keep stems upright and blooms looking their best.
Be inspired: Eeny, meeny, miny, grow: how to pick the best plant supports
Step 6: Protect seedlings from garden gate crashers
Your tiny seedlings are tough, but they’re not invincible!
Adding some Plant Protection early to stop common spring garden gate crashers can help your seedlings get the strong start they need.
Here are some issues spring brings:
- Hungry birds — Tender seedlings and freshly planted seeds can look like a tasty snack.
- Curious critters — Possums, pets and other garden visitors can accidentally damage young plants.
- Munching pests — Slugs, snails, caterpillars and other garden bugs love soft new growth.
- Strong winds — Gusty weather can bend, break or dry out young plants.
- Surprise frost — An unexpected cold snap can damage delicate new growth.
And here’s the protection you need:
| Protection product | Best for | How it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Plant covers | Protecting young seedlings from pests and changing weather. | Creates a protective barrier while allowing light, air and moisture to reach plants. |
| Plant tunnels | Covering rows of vegies and larger planting areas | Helps shield crops from frost, wind, pests and harsh weather while they establish. |
| Garden mesh | Keeping birds, insects and larger pests away | Protects while still allowing airflow, sunlight and rain to reach plants. |
| Plant sleeves | Protecting individual plants during cold snaps | Helps insulate vulnerable plants and reduce damage from frost and chilly temperatures. |
Handy Jack tip!
Little seedlings are easier to protect than rescue! Pop on your covers, mesh or sleeves early and give your plants a helping hand before problems arrive.
Dig deeper: Ward off pests and weather with plant protection
Spring garden prep checklist
Ready to get stuck into your spring garden? Here’s a handy checklist to keep your prep on track for growing season:
- Clear away winter debris, fallen leaves and dead growth.
- Refresh raised beds and planters with fresh soil, compost and good drainage.
- Tidy garden edges, pathways and well-used areas.
- Plan what you want to plant based on your climate, space and sunlight.
- Add supports for climbing plants and heavy crops.
- Protect young seedlings from pests, birds and unpredictable spring weather.
Best Jack products for spring prepping
A little garden prep goes a long way — and the right Jack gear makes the job easier! Check out our product must-haves for your spring prepping:
| Spring garden task | Best for | Jack products |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh your garden set up | Creating a cleaner, more organised outdoor space ready for spring planting | Garden Edging, Raised Garden Beds and Pots & Planters |
| Make garden maintenance easier | Improving pathways and well-used garden areas while reducing weeds and muddy patches | Matrix Ground Panels |
| Support growing plants | Helping climbing plants, heavy crops and tall flowers stay upright and tidy | Garden Stakes, Plant Trainers and Vegie Trainers |
| Protect your plantlings | Giving seedlings and vulnerable plants protection from pests, birds and changing weather | Plant Protection, Garden Mesh, Plant Protection Tunnels and Frost Sleeves |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) — Spring garden prep
How do I prepare my garden for spring?
Spring prep is all about clearing away the old and getting ready for the new! Start by clearing away winter’s debris, then refresh your garden beds and existing soil, install edging and pathways, pick your spring plants, and finally add plant supports and protection. You’re now good to grow!
When should I start preparing my garden for spring in Australia?
There’s no one-and-done answer because our Aussie climate varies so much. In cooler regions, late winter to early spring is a great time to get started, while warmer areas can often begin earlier. The best time is when temps start heating up, and your plants are ready to wake up from their winter slowdown.
How do I protect seedlings from birds and pests?
Young seedlings are like a fresh salad bar for hungry garden visitors! Use Plant Protection and Plant Tunnels to protect seedlings from birds, insects and curious critters. Keep an eye out for slugs, snails and caterpillars too, and deal with problems early before they have a chance to wreak havoc!
Do seedlings need protection in spring?
Yes! Spring weather can be unpredictable, with hot days, gusty winds, sudden cold snaps and hungry pests all causing problems for young plants. Plant Protection products like our Plant Covers and Frost Sleeves can give seedlings extra support while they’re settling in.
When should I add plant supports?
Add plant supports as soon as you plant your seedlings. It’s much easier to guide young plants onto Garden Stakes, Plant Trainers or Vegie Trainers while they’re small than trying to untangle a fully grown tomato vine or climbing plant later.
How do I prepare raised garden beds for spring?
Give your raised beds a spring refresh by topping up soil, adding compost and checking drainage. Raised Garden Beds and Pots & Planters help create devoted growing spaces where you can better control soil condition and help keep everything neat and contained.
What should I plant in spring in Australia?
The best plants for your garden depend on where you live, how much sun you get and the space you’re working with! Popular spring choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, herbs, flowers and leafy greens.
Need some spring planting inspiration?
Check out our guide: Hello spring! What to plant in September in Australia.
Spring garden success starts with Jack!
Ready to start your spring garden prep? Explore our Jack products, then head to your local Jack supplier to grab the ones you need.
Is your garden looking sharp for spring? Why not share some snaps on socials, tagging @meetdiyjack? You might get a shout-out!
After some more spring garden inspiration?
Check out these other helpful resources: